Increased fire risk triggers outdoor burn restrictions in Harris County

HOUSTON -- In response to the increased risk of outdoor fire, the Harris County Commissioners' Court has enacted restrictions on uncontained burning.

The burn restrictions require the use of covered burn containers for the incineration of household trash, vegetation and campfires. Permitted burning activities such as training fires, prescribed burns, and ceremonial fires are unaffected.

Violation of the burn ban is class C misdemeanor.

"While this is a precautionary restriction and not a total burn ban, residents should not discount the growing fire risk in the county," said Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery. "By taking protective measures now, we can reduce the risk of wildfires as we head into the late summer."

Montgomery urges residents to postpone outdoor burning until it's cooler and there is more moisture in the air, and to keep all fires attended, with a water hose or other means to keep a fire from escaping or spreading.

For more information online about outdoor burning restrictions, please visit the Harris County Fire Marshal's website.